Top tether question.

[Mom to a few]

We are going to be heading out of town soon, and my oldest (53 lbs) is going to be riding in the Safeguard in the 3rd row of my Toyota Sienna. Obviously, I have to use the seatbelt since he's too heavy for the lower anchor weight limit. The passenger side buckle angle makes carseat installation nearly impossible. The middle seatbelt installation is ok, but totally blocks the view out the back window (which annoys DH terribly), and the driver's side installs great, but there isn't a top tether anchor for that position. Right now, I have the seat in the middle, attached to the top tether anchor (Dh said he could live with it ;))

I looked all through my Safeguard and vehicle manual, but I didn't see anything in either about a weight limit for the top tether anchor. I don't have my LATCH manual yet, so I can't check myself, and I just want to make sure I'm doing it right. If I'm not really supposed to be using the top tether, I'd probably put him on the driver's side...otherwise, I'm going to leave him tethered in the middle.

So does anyone know if I have a top tether weight limit on my 2006 Toyota Sienna?? Thanks!

[Jeanum]

Toyota doesn't specify a lower LATCH anchor or top tether anchor weight limit and defers to the child restraint instructions according to the LATCH manual. The Safeguard doesn't require a top tether anchor but it's always recommended to use one if available (unless you're using the Safeguard Go model, which does require use of the top tether anchor in harnessed mode, waving to any lurkers out there :)).

[crunchierthanthou]

Toyota doesn't specify a lower LATCH anchor or top tether anchor weight limit and defers to the child restraint instructions according to the LATCH manual. The Safeguard doesn't require a top tether anchor but it's always recommended to use one if available (unless you're using the Safeguard Go model, which does require use of the top tether anchor in harnessed mode, waving to any lurkers out there :)).

yup. Toyota defers to the manufacturer.

[Mom to a few]

Well, I just read this link about Top tether limits (http://www.saferidenews.com/html/LATCH_P49.htm) and decided that I'll just leave him tethered in the middle. Thanks!

[crunchierthanthou]

I just went and looked at the Safeguard owner's manual. It must only be the Go that allows LATCH usage to 60 lbs. The regular Safeguard does only allow LATCH to 48 lbs. I think leaving him tethered in the middle is a good choice. I have no problem using top tether anchors past weight limits (like the information in that link you posted, and this one (http://www.saferidenews.com/html/LATCH_P8.htm)).

[Christi61315]

i like that safegaurd go seat.. to bad I cant use it on a plane ride...